Friday morning quarterback
Just a few not-so-random thoughts before I head over to McDonald's to spend the rest of my 401K:
The Ravens can beat the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, but if you forced me to bet my house on one team or the other, I'd have to go with the Colts. I'd even give the four points and then root against myself because the Ravens really need this game.
Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney did not participate in practice on Wednesday or Thursday because of a hamstring injury. I never wish for any athlete to miss a game because of injury, but I really think it would be in Freeney's best long-term interests to be placed on the inactive list this week. I say that out of sincere concern for the guy's welfare. Really. I mean that.
I took quite a beating two seasons ago when I wrote a column suggesting that it was time for Baltimore sports fans to let go of their animosity toward the Indianapolis Colts. Two years later, I'll concede that it would be a lot easier if the Ravens spanked them on Sunday.
Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron hinted the other day that the Ravens might open up the offense a little more against the Colts. We can only hope. If 10 points wasn't enough overcome the Tennessee Titans and a key personal foul call on the final drive of the game, that probably won't be enough against Peyton Manning.
The Colts do seem particularly vulnerable with Bob Sanders out and Freeney doubtful, but if Manning and his offense start to click, you might as well crawl into a big bag of Doritos. I'll be doing that either way.
Comments
the ravens just might beat the colts if they can keep their heads cool and not get a boat load of personal foul penalties.they also would need to contain peyton manning
Posted by: leonard | October 10, 2008 9:54 AM
Thank God for the dollar menu.
Posted by: Rusty | October 10, 2008 10:20 AM
At 65, I finally let the colts go because of what John Steadman wrote in his book " From Colts to Ravens". Jim Irsay was really upset at his father and embarrased at his behavior. The son is a decent guy and so I let it go. I would recommend old colt fans read John's book....Go Ravens....
Posted by: Jim Hackett | October 10, 2008 11:01 AM
As an old colt fan, I to have let it go, reality check told me that the vans weren't coming back (I held on to that fantasy for about 2 years) after that I followed the Stars (football team) and Stallions (football team) and now I'm a true blue PSL holder and all that. GOOOOOOO RAVENS!!!!!
Posted by: OCJOHN | October 10, 2008 12:07 PM
why can't the Ravens get back the history of the Balto. Colts?? Okay, if we cannot get back colors, why can't Baltimore have its Baltimore Football history back like the Cleveland city does?? I am still totally miffed that the NFL has not corrected this wrong..especially since not one past Balto. Colt has gone there for support..
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Pete's reply: It was a crime, but that horse, so to speak, has left the corral.
Posted by: paco | October 10, 2008 12:51 PM
Questions, questions...
Ravens vs. Colts
McDonald's $1 Double Cheeseburger vs. Wendy's .99 Double Stack
Hopefully the Ravens destroy the Bolts on Sunday. As for the Mickey-D's / Wendy's conundrum, I don't know who I'm rooting for there.
Serious side note: Going to Heinz Field for the Ravens game the other week almost brought a tear to my eye as I walked past all of their cherished Steelers memorabilia on display in the first floor concourse. It made me sad and also angry that our beloved Colts artifacts aren't on display at M&T Bank Stadium--the Lombardi trophies, the jerseys, cleats, etc. etc. It's sad, and it's a total and complete travesty.
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Pete's reply: I agree, but if you really feel strongly about that, there's a lot of great stuff at the Sports Legends Museum, which is only a short walk from the stadium.
Posted by: Brandt | October 10, 2008 2:14 PM
Hey Mr. Shmuck
Edward Lee picked the colts 20-14 because the Colts are still dangerous in the Dome. Was there another hurricane I'm unaware of to move the game from Lucas Oil Field where the Colts are winless back to the Dome? How's Dan?
Edward Lee
Colts, 20-14
The offense's struggles notwithstanding, the Colts are still dangerous in the dome.
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Pete's reply: Funny, I was just looking up the new field on the internet. I'm writing something for Sunday and I'm glad I checked, because I thought until about an hour ago that they were still at the RCA Dome, too.
Posted by: Ryan Michaelis | October 10, 2008 3:22 PM
The book 'From Colts to Ravens' mentioned by fellow Jim Hackett is a MUST on any Baltimorean football's library . I must have read this book at least 6 times , thats how good the book was ! Writer John Steadman pretty much cleared Jim Irsay away from his Dad's treachery . It took me little longer than Mr Hackett to 'let the Colts go ' but this book is good starting point .
Peter , If you dont have a copy , you can borrow mine .
Posted by: allan | October 10, 2008 4:55 PM
the Ravens wont beat indy. this game is made to order for manning, with a banged up secondary and inexprienced D backs Manning can name the score.gaither wont keep Freeney off Flacco, there will be fumbles and inter ceptions. I for one will never forget or forgive the low way Irsay sneaked out of town with our beloved Baltimore Colts, what a drunken scumbag he was. someone should have bought the name back from irsay, I think it was for sale at one time.I would like to see the Ravens kick the crap out of indy, but I dont see it happening this year.
Posted by: rosie | October 10, 2008 5:17 PM
the Ravens wont beat indy. this game is made to order for manning, with a banged up secondary and inexprienced D backs Manning can name the score.gaither wont keep Freeney off Flacco, there will be fumbles and inter ceptions. I for one will never forget or forgive the low way Irsay sneaked out of town with our beloved Baltimore Colts, what a drunken scumbag he was. someone should have bought the name back from irsay, I think it was for sale at one time.I would like to see the Ravens kick the crap out of indy, but I dont see it happening this year.
Posted by: rosie | October 10, 2008 5:17 PM
let's get Roy Williams
Posted by: janie | October 10, 2008 5:48 PM
McDonald's Double Cheese, for sure--What Wendy's does in "freshness" it makes up for with undercooked fries and wilting "lettuce."
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Pete's reply: I concede. I hate to admit it, but I had one of those today on my way home.
Posted by: logiopath | October 10, 2008 6:34 PM
Pete, I'm worried about your health. Think salads, fresh veggies and fruit.
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Pete's reply: You're probably right.
Posted by: Rob | October 10, 2008 6:58 PM
love the 401k line.
after today, you may be going to Taco Bell!
www.digthemoment.com
Posted by: mya pinion | October 10, 2008 7:14 PM
Pete-
Wouldn't be amazing if the Ravens were able to pull off a psych job this Sunday by not celebrating a single play? Imagine them calmly just returning to the huddle without a chest thump, a flex, or a whatever that waving-in-the-face thing that Corey Ivy does. I'd love to see them do it- or see that they could do it. I think that it would be more intimidating if they showed that they expected success every play and demonstrated it in a cooly professional manner.
Keep up the good work, Pete!
Posted by: Mark in DE | October 10, 2008 7:55 PM
I'd like to say I'm laying off the sauce, so to speak, but next payday, I'll probably stop at McDs and have a couple myself.
Posted by: logiopath | October 10, 2008 9:50 PM
I let go of the colts on 1/28/2001. Good riddance. I pity them when Manning retires.
Posted by: ed rooney | October 10, 2008 10:21 PM
Doublestack
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Pete's reply: Baconator.
Posted by: Tim | October 11, 2008 1:54 AM
The October issue of Atlantic magazine has an article where the writer has Andy Reid break down the 1958 greatest game ever. It's a must read for any Baltimore Colt fan but Reid's insights alone are worth it.
Don't forget that Reid is one of Harbaugh's big mentors.
Posted by: FTS | October 11, 2008 1:15 PM